Western Australia in December?

Travel Info
I want to spend 10 -14 days in WA at the end of this year, as I've never been there.

I plan to fly to Perth, travel around a bit, then catch the Indian Pacific back to Sydney. Hoping it won't be too hot! Would it be better to do this in, say April or October? :)

Anyway, which is best part of WA to see first: the Southwest or Monkey Mia/Shark Bay area?

(i realise they're both really good places for different reasons, but the luxury of going to both may not be an option).

Travel Tips

Hot and Dry....so from Sydney you will get a shock... but you will get use to it quick... Southwest is the place to go... you see a whole lot more in alot less time (and less driving time)....and it is much cooler down there as well, it gets real busy down there at that time of year so book early, because alot of the places take bookings 12 months in advance... you can look at the caves, jara forest, see where the two oceans meet at Augusta, tour the Margaret River wine region (the best is Aus I reckon) spend time on the beautiful almost white sand beaches...I could go on forever....BUT if you are more into diving and snorkeling not as good a few wrecks but nothing special ...enjoy, try these sites for ideas
www.westernaustralia.com
http://www.takeabreak.com.au

Others
You are coming to the West at a good time. December is a great month. I can tell you that Western Australia does not have the humidity that Sydney has. Trust me I lived in Sydney for 35 years then came to live in Perth. I love it here and would never go back to Sydney to live. I personally think the southwest is the best there is more to see and do. Augusta is great with there lighthouse there. Have fun.
If you want to ask me anything else please contact me.
Kim
In December, definately go down south. I visit the Shark bay / Gascoyne region every year as part of my research, but never after September - it just gets too hot to really enjoy it - I do have to hike around a lot though. April & September are the best months, climate wise, to be out there and really enjoy it.

There IS a lot more to see and do down south. I love the Gascoyne, but not much changes for km after km, well 100's of km's after 100's of km's. When you do go that way though, Kalbarri is so well worth the detour on your way up.
Hey!
For weather estimates in Perth/WA try - http://www.perthtouristcentre.com.au/wea...
From that maybe you can decide which month you want to go!
Hope that helps somewhat! :) Have fun!
You mention hot, so south is cooler if you dont like the heat.Fly to Perth,dont overlook Mandurah(just 1 hour south of Perth ,then south to perhaps Margaret river,busselton,Augusta,(an interesting trip).Best of luck.